How is unwanted and unconsented touching legally defined?

The legal definition of unwanted and unconsented touching is recognized as battery. In legal terms, battery is characterized by the intentional and unlawful offensive or harmful contact with another person without their consent. This definition emphasizes both the aspect of intentionality and the requirement for consent, establishing that any physical interaction that fits this criterion can be classified as battery.

In contrast, negligence refers to a failure to exercise a reasonable standard of care, leading to unintentional harm. It does not address the issue of consent or intentional actions. Rights typically refer to the entitlements or freedoms individuals have within a legal framework, rather than the specifics of actions like touching. Abandonment implies a manner of leaving someone without support or care, which is unrelated to the direct act of touching someone without consent. Thus, battery is the most accurate term to describe the legal framework surrounding unwanted and unconsented physical contact.